Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) Q3 Healthy, Holiday Expectations High

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) third quarter results were more or less in line with estimates. Revenue numbers were slightly above the “expected international revenues” while EPS marginally missed the “lower gross margins and higher operating expenses,” according to analysts Michael Pachter, Nick McKay and Nick Citrin of Wedbush.

Amazon Q3 numbers and estimates

Revenue for the quarter came in at $17.1 billion against Wedbush analysts estimate of $16.8 billion, and the consensus estimate of $16.8 billion. Amazon GAAP EPS came in at $(0.09) compared to analysts’ estimate of $(0.08) and the consensus estimate of $(0.09). Operating income for the company was $(25) million.

For the last quarter of 2013, Amazon expects net sales to be in the range of $23.5 to 26.5 billion, and operating income is expected to be between $(500)- $500 million.

Analysts have raised their fiscal 2013 revenue expectations from $74.5 billion to $74.8 billion, and have decreased EPS estimates from $0.90 to $0.89 per share. For the financial year 2014, revenue is forecasted to be around $91.5 billion from $91.2 billion, and earnings per share is estimated to increase from $2.90 to $2.91.

Catalysts going forward

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) may witness a rise in its product sales due to factors like increasing prime membership, increasing convenience, increased selection, competitive pricing, and capability to deliver the product on the same day, which will quickly see an increase in its basket size.

Analysts are looking forward to the impact that Kiva robots will have on Amazon’s margins. Additionally, the latest Kindle tablets have multiple new features such as a Mayday button and access to prime videos while offline, which will be a good product for the holiday season.

Also, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) has opened newa fulfillment center which caters to the needs of consumers, sellers, and the states. Offering massive inventory of products to the consumers regularly will work in the company’s favor.

Spending estimate for video segment

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) has increased its spending on content for the video segment, impact of which can be gathered from the balance sheet. Analysts note that zeroing in on the exact content spending done by Amazon would not be possible, but it is estimated that the online retailer is spending in excess of $1 billion annually for streaming video rights, compared to Netflix’s spending of over $2 billion.

Amazon has been assigned a Neutral rating with a price target of $330. Analysts mention that Amazon offers a wide product portfolio at competitive rates to its customers, and its products constantly feature among the top five lowest price tags.